Siege

A prolonged military assault or blockade on a city or fortress, aiming to compel the inhabitants or defenders to surrender. A Siege involves surrounding and isolating a target, cutting off its supplies and communication, and subjecting it to persistent attacks, such as bombardment and assault. Beyond military contexts, 'siege' can metaphorically describe a prolonged or intense attack or challenge, whether literal or figurative. This can involve an emotionally charged or highly pressurized situation. The primary goal is to exhaust the opposing force or entity, leading to its defeat or compliance.

Siege meaning with examples

• For weeks, the castle endured a relentless Siege, as the enemy army bombarded the walls with catapults and set Siege engines, aiming to breach the defenses. The defenders, running low on supplies, faced starvation and disease. The prolonged attack tested their resilience, pushing them toward surrender.
• During the Siege of Stalingrad in World War II, the German Sixth Army found itself trapped within the city, facing the relentless onslaught of Soviet forces. Cut off from reinforcements, the German soldiers endured brutal fighting and freezing conditions, ultimately leading to their defeat.
• The protesters mounted a Siege on the government building, blocking entrances and refusing to leave until their demands were met. The police attempted to negotiate and ultimately dispersed the crowd. The tense situation was a standoff, a battle of wills playing out for several days before resolution.
• After his controversial statement, the politician found himself under a Siege of media scrutiny. Journalists camped outside his house, seeking comments and scrutinizing his every move, and public criticism dominated social media. The intense attention made him want to retract the statement.